Comprehensive meta-QTL analysis for dissecting the genetic architecture of stripe rust resistance in bread wheat.

BACKGROUND: Yellow or stripe rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) is an important disease of wheat that threatens wheat production. Since developing resistant cultivars offers a viable solution for disease management, it is essential to understand the genetic basis of stripe rust resistance. In recent years, meta-QTL analysis of identified QTLs has gained popularity as a way to dissect the genetic architecture underpinning quantitative traits, including disease resistance. RESULTS: Systematic meta-QTL analysis involving 505 QTLs from 101 linkage-based interval mapping studies was conducted for stripe rust resistance in wheat. For this purpose, publicly available high-quality genetic maps were used to create a consensus linkage map involving 138,574 markers. This map was used to project the QTLs and conduct meta-QTL analysis. A total of 67 important meta-QTLs (MQTLs) were identified which were refined to 29 high-confidence MQTLs. The confidence interval (CI) of MQTLs ranged from 0 to 11.68 cM with a mean of 1.97 cM. The mean physical CI of MQTLs was 24.01 Mb, ranging from 0.0749 to 216.23 Mb per MQTL. As many as 44 MQTLs colocalized with marker-trait associations or SNP peaks associated with stripe rust resistance in wheat. Some MQTLs also included the following major genes- Yr5, Yr7, Yr16, Yr26, Yr30, Yr43, Yr44, Yr64, YrCH52, and YrH52. Candidate gene mining in high-confidence MQTLs identified 1,562 gene models. Examining these gene models for differential expressions yielded 123 differentially expressed genes, including the 59 most promising CGs. We also studied how these genes were expressed in wheat tissues at different phases of development. CONCLUSION: The most promising MQTLs identified in this study may facilitate marker-assisted breeding for stripe rust resistance in wheat. Information on markers flanking the MQTLs can be utilized in genomic selection models to increase the prediction accuracy for stripe rust resistance. The candidate genes identified can also be utilized for enhancing the wheat resistance against stripe rust after in vivo confirmation/validation using one or more of the following methods: gene cloning, reverse genetic methods, and omics approaches.

Gastroprotective effect of Hyssopus officinalis L. leaves via reduction of oxidative stress in indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in experimental rats.

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world affecting lives of millions of people. Hyssopus officinalis L. have been used as carminative and antispasmodic stomachic in Iran and Indian traditional systems of medicine. Thus, present study was aimed to evaluate gastroprotective activity of ethanolic extract of Hyssopus officinalis L. leaves (EEHO) in indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in experimental rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats of groups I, II, III, IV, V, and VI received orally 1 mL/kg/day 1% CMC (carboxy methylcellulose), 1 mL/kg/day 1% CMC, 250 mg EEHO/kg/day, 500 mg EEHO/kg/day, 50 mg ranitidine/kg/day and 500 mg EEHO/kg/day respectively for 10 days. Then, all the groups except groups I and VI were orally administered with 20 mg indomethacin/kg b.wt on 11th day. Ulcer index and mucus barrier were determined. Antioxidant parameters thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione-reduced (GSH), catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated. Stomach was examined for histopathology also. EEHO in groups III and IV significantly (p < 0.01) increased the mucus barrier, SOD, GSH, and catalase while significantly (p < 0.01) decreased the ulcer index and TBARS as compared to ulcer control group II. Histopathological findings showed that indomethacin administration in group II caused PUD (gastric ulcer) and the gastric ulcer was protected by pretreatment with EEHO in groups III and IV. Thus, EEHO possesses gastroprotective activity where the gastroprotection is by strengthening of the gastric mucosa and reduction of oxidative stress. The gastroprotective activity of EEHO was comparable to that of standard drug ranitidine.

PERSONALITY TRAITS AND STRESS LEVELS AMONG SENIOR DENTAL STUDENTS: EVIDENCE FROM MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between dental students' personality traits and stress levels in relation to dental education programs among senior dental students in University Malaya (UM) in Malaysia and National University of Singapore (NUS). A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted on UM and NUS senior dental students. The questionnaire comprised items on demographic background, the Big Five Inventory Personality Traits (BFIPT) test and a modified Dental Environment Stress (DES) scale. Rasch analysis was used to convert raw data to interval scores. Analyses were done by t-test, Pearson correlation, and Hierarchical regression statistics. The response rate was 100% (UM=132, NUS=76). Personality trait Agreeableness (mean=0.30) was significantly more prevalent among UM than NUS students (mean=0.15, p=0.016). In NUS, Neuroticism (mean=0.36) was significantly more prevalent than in UM (mean=0.14, p=0.002). The DES mean score was higher among NUS (mean=0.23) than UM students (mean=0.07). In UM, Neuroticism was significantly correlated with stress levels (r=0.338, p<0.001). In NUS, these were Neuroticism (r=0.278, p=0.015), Agreeableness (r=0.250, p=0.029) and Conscientiousness (r=-0.242, p=0.035) personality traits. The correlation was strongest for personality trait Neuroticism in both schools. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that gender and Neuroticism were significant predictors for students' stress levels (p<0.05) with the latter exerting a bigger effect size (R2=0.18) than gender (R2=004). This study showed that gender and Neuroticism personality trait were significant predictors for stress levels among selected groups of dental students in Southeast Asia. Information on students' personality may be useful in new students' intake, stress management counseling and future program reviews.

PsyHELP pocket guide: Development of an educational tool to promote professional mental health help-seeking among the health workforce.

INTRODUCTION: Ensuring the mental well-being of the health workforce is important in maintaining a robust healthcare system. This paper aims to describe the development of PsyHELP pocket guide and its potential to encourage the health workforce to recognise and seek help from mental health professionals for their mental health concerns. METHOD: Developed with the Health Belief Model (HBM) as its theoretical framework, this PsyHELP pocket guide integrates theoretical and practical strategies, employing a user-centric design that combines text, visuals, and interactive elements, such as QR codes linked to animation videos, to enhance engagement and accessibility. The content development involved a thorough literature review and was structured to align with the HBM, addressing various constructs that influence help-seeking. RESULT: The PsyHELP pocket guide series, conceptualised as multiple pocket guides, begins with foundational information about mental health and progresses to offer actionable strategies tailored for the health workforce. It addresses vital mental health concepts, combating stigma, recognising the need for professional help, and providing steps towards mental well-being, ensuring a comprehensive approach to mental health awareness and action among the health workforce. CONCLUSION: The PsyHELP pocket guide stands out as a promising resource, aiming to enhance mental health awareness and encourage help-seeking behaviours among the health workforce, fostering a supportive and mentally healthy work environment.

Translation, Adaptation, and Validation of the Malay Version of the Barriers to Access to Care Questionnaire for Assessing the Barriers to Seeking Mental Health Care Among the Health Workforce in the East Coast Region of Peninsular Malaysia.

Background Mental health problems among the health workforce are a significant concern worldwide, including in Malaysia. Unfortunately, some health workforce may perceive various barriers or challenges that prevent them from seeking help. Identifying and addressing these barriers is crucial for enhancing mental health services and support. The Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation (BACE-3) questionnaire is a valuable tool that can be used for assessing these barriers among health workers. However, a validated Malay version is needed. Therefore, this study aims to translate, adapt, and validate the original version of Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation (BACE-3) into the Malay version (MBACE). Methods A rigorous process of translation and adaptation was followed to develop the Malay version of the BACE-3 questionnaire (MBACE). A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the questionnaire, with purposive sampling employed to recruit 188 participants from various job categories, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and non-clinical staff, such as health assistants and clerks. The analysis was conducted using the R software version 4.2.2 (R Foundation, Vienna, Austria). Construct validity was determined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). To assess the convergent validity, internal consistency, and reliability of the instrument, measures such as the average variance extracted (AVE), composite reliability (CR), and Cronbach's alpha values were calculated. Results During the CFA process, two items with a factor loading less than 0.5 (items 15 and 16) were removed to improve the convergent validity and model fit. The CFA results revealed that the 2-factor model MBACE had good construct validity (root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.053; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.939; Tucker-Lewis fit index (TLI) = 0.934). The internal consistency was supported by Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 for the stigma factor and non-stigma factor. The average variance extracted (AVE) and composite reliability (CR) values further supported the questionnaire's reliability and convergent validity. Conclusion The translated and adapted 28-item MBACE questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the barrier to seeking professional mental health care among the Malaysian health workforce. This instrument has the potential to aid in the development of targeted interventions to promote mental health help-seeking behavior and enhance the well-being of the Malaysian health workforce.

On the duration of trade competitiveness: the case of the Malaysian palm-based oleochemical industry.

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a surge in demand for oleochemicals, due to the increased demand for cleaning and disinfectants products. Since Malaysia is one of the world's largest palm oil producers, the demand for oleochemicals will be a key driver supporting the Malaysian palm oil industry. Palm oil is used in millions of products, from foods to soaps, personal care products cosmetics, and biodiesel feedstock. Currently, palm oil related exports are still highly dependent on the upstream segments such as crude palm oil (CPO), with a total contribution to the overall industry of 81.4%. In comparison, that downstream contribution is still low at about 18.6%. It is thus important to expand the production and export of high-value-added palm oil downstream products, including oleochemicals products. Therefore, this study aims to assess Malaysia's relative competitiveness in oleochemical products as compared to the main oil and fat producing countries - namely Indonesia, China, the European Union (EU) member states, the United States and Argentina. We examine the trade competitiveness by using the Revealed Trade Advantage (RTA) developed by Vollrath (1991) and utilizing yearly data spanning from 1999 until 2019. We also analyze the duration of comparative advantage using Kaplan-Meier Analysis. The results indicate that Malaysia has higher and more stable trade advantages relative to other main producers of oleochemical products.

Protocol methodology for permission release in the construction of a written corpus.

Copyright issues or permission releases for written data remain vague and difficult to comprehend. Overall, the construction of a corpus involves a multitude of mediums, namely books, periodicals, published materials and non-published materials. Problems arise when a chosen medium involves published materials that are protected under copyright acts. Therefore, this article highlights a protocol for obtaining permission release on written data to facilitate the construction of a corpus. This protocol was designed based on the concept of BNC corpus construction and adapted to the Malaysian copyright protocol framework (MyIPO). The construction of this protocol serves as a source of reference for data ethics at the Corpus and Forensic Linguistics Unit, Faculty of Languages and Communication, which is located at Sultan Idris Education University. The findings of this protocol highlighted nine pertinent steps for releasing copyright permission for written corpus. The implication of establishing this protocol are first, researchers are able to utilize textual data without forfeiting the copyright acts; second, owners of creations are protected from exploitation and finally, legal practitioners are able to enforce the owners' copyright appropriately. Overall, this methodology:•Facilitates the permission release process for any copyrighted written data;•Assists and preserves copyright laws, which allow written data to be used only through the proper channels;•Protects researchers from any legal implications related to copyright acts concerning written data.

Translation and Adaptation of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders into the Malay Language: Psychometric Evaluation of Contents.

AIMS: To develop the Malay DC/TMD through a formal cross-cultural adaptation (CCA) process for use in non-English speaking populations and to determine the reliability and validity of the Malay Graded Chronic Pain Scale (M-GCPS) and Malay Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (M-JFLS). METHODS: The English DC/TMD was translated into the Malay language using the forward-backward translation procedures specified in the INfORM guideline. The initial Malay instrument was pre-tested, and any discrepancies were identified and reconciled before producing the final Malay DC/TMD. Psychometric properties of the M-GCPS and M-JFLS were evaluated using a convenience sample of 252 subjects and were assessed using internal consistency and test-retest reliability, as well as face, content, concurrent, and construct validity testing. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, while test-retest reliability was examined using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Concurrent and construct validity of both domains were performed using Spearman ρ correlation test. In addition, construct and discriminant validity were appraised using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, respectively. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha values for the M-GCPS and M-JFLS were 0.95 and 0.97, respectively. The ICC was 0.98 for the M-GCPS and 0.99 for M-JFLS. The majority of the tested associations for both domains were found to be statistically significant, with good positive correlations. CONCLUSION: The M-GCPS and M-JFLS were found to be reproducible and valid. The Malay DC/TMD shows potential for use among Malay-speaking adults.

Structural, Morphological and Thermal Properties of Cellulose Nanofibers from Napier fiber (Pennisetum purpureum).

The purpose of the study is to investigate the utilisation of Napier fiber (Pennisetum purpureum) as a source for the fabrication of cellulose nanofibers (CNF). In this study, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) from Napier fiber were isolated via ball-milling assisted by acid hydrolysis. Acid hydrolysis with different molarities (1.0, 3.8 and 5.6 M) was performed efficiently facilitate cellulose fiber size reduction. The resulting CNFs were characterised through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), particle size analyser (PSA), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The FTIR results demonstrated that there were no obvious changes observed between the spectra of the CNFs with different molarities of acid hydrolysis. With 5.6 M acid hydrolysis, the XRD analysis displayed the highest degree of CNF crystallinity at 70.67%. In a thermal analysis by TGA and DTG, cellulose nanofiber with 5.6 M acid hydrolysis tended to produce cellulose nanofibers with higher thermal stability. As evidenced by the structural morphologies, a fibrous network nanostructure was obtained under TEM and AFM analysis, while a compact structure was observed under FESEM analysis. In conclusion, the isolated CNFs from Napier-derived cellulose are expected to yield potential to be used as a suitable source for nanocomposite production in various applications, including pharmaceutical, food packaging and biomedical fields.

Plant microRNAs: biogenesis, gene silencing, web-based analysis tools and their use as molecular markers.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are tiny (20-24 nt bp) regulatory non-protein-coding RNA molecules that have been extensively characterized and found important for many physiological and developmental processes. The miss-expression of miRNAs leads to various defects in plants. MicroRNAs repress gene expression by directing mRNA degradation or translational arrest. Several proteins such as PP43A, HYL1, DCL, HST are indispensable role players in promoting miRNA biogenesis in plants. During miRNA biogenesis, lariat RNAs are produced as by-products of pre-mRNA splicing which have a negative role in regulation of miRNA homeostasis. By acting as a decoy and by sequestering to the dicing complex, lariat RNA can prevent the processing of miRNAs. A number of bioinformatic tools with different methodologies are available to identify and validate miRNAs and their targets. Many miRNAs have been reported in different crops for different traits; however, no reports are available on their use in plant breeding. Recently, researchers have developed trait specific miRNA-based molecular markers (miRNA-SSRs/SNP) for many quantitative traits in different plant species. In the future, these molecular markers can be used for plant breeding programs. In this review, a comprehensive up-to-date information is provided on the bioinformatic tools used for analysis of plant miRNAs and their targets, the number of miRNAs, their biogenesis, gene silencing mechanism and miRNA-based molecular markers.